Henry County Selects New Broadband Provider

Henry County, in partnership with regional and state partners, has terminated its broadband deployment partnership with RiverStreet Networks and selected ZiTel to complete the County's long-awaited broadband expansion project. The decision was made in coordination with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, Franklin County and Patrick County following years of project delays. ZiTel will assume responsibility for completing the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) project, which will provide reliable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses throughout the region. From day one, Henry County's commitment has been to ensure every resident has access to reliable, high-speed broadband internet. While County leaders are disappointed the project did not progress as originally promised, the County's responsibility is to deliver results, not accept continued delays. After careful consideration alongside its regional and state partners, Henry County believes transitioning to ZiTel is the right decision to move the project forward. ZiTel has demonstrated the experience, resources and capability necessary to complete this critical infrastructure project and deliver the broadband service residents have waited far too long to receive. 'We know many residents have been frustrated by the delays, and we share that frustration,' said Henry County Administrator Dale Wagoner. 'Our responsibility is to the people of Henry County, and when it became clear this project needed a new path forward, we worked with our partners to make that happen. We are confident ZiTel is the right partner to finish the job and finally deliver on the promise of countywide broadband.' The transition will not require any additional commitment of local tax dollars or grant funding. The funding necessary to complete the project has already been secured, and the change in providers is about ensuring those existing investments produce the results the community expects and deserves. The County also expressed its appreciation to the many organizations that have remained committed to expanding broadband access throughout the region despite the project's challenges, including the Harvest Foundation and Henry County Public Schools. 'We're grateful to all of our partners for their continued commitment and patience throughout this process,' Wagoner said. 'Projects of this scale require tremendous collaboration, and organizations like the Harvest Foundation and HCPS have remained focused on the same goal we have from the beginning. We appreciate their partnership and look forward to working together with ZiTel to bring this project to a successful completion.' Today's announcement marks an important step toward completing one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken in Henry County in recent years. The County will continue working closely with ZiTel and its regional and state partners throughout the transition and construction process and will provide updates to residents as significant milestones are reached. Henry County remains committed to fulfilling its original promise of bringing reliable, high-speed broadband access to every eligible home and business throughout the County.